Hilton Lakes Trail Guide: Hiking & Backpacking in the Eastern Sierra
Lake 2 View
At a Glance
| Location | Rock Creek Canyon, Eastern Sierra |
| Distance | Approx. 12+ miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain | Approx. 1,100 ft. |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trailhead | Hilton Lakes / Davis Lake Trailhead |
| Best For | Day hiking and backpacking |
| Overnight Permit | Required for overnight wilderness trips |
| Nearest Services | Rock Creek Lakes Resort, Tom's Place, Crowley Lake, Mammoth Lakes & Bishop |
Hiking to Hilton Lakes
Hilton Lakes is one of my favorite hikes in the Eastern Sierras. It’s perfect for day hiking, overnighters, or even spending several days tucked away at one of the more remote lakes. Fishing has been excellent almost every time i’ve gone. The second lake is the most popular for camping, and availability of sites will heavily depend on time of year.
The hike itself is moderate, with several inclines on exposed sections of the trail headed in. The hike is approximately 6 miles, depending on which lake you’re headed to, and water can be scare depending on time of year, so plan to bring a liter or two on the way in, as it can get pretty hot mid day later in the season. Coupled with the elevation (hike starts at ~9000 ft), inexperienced hikers can quickly be overwhelmed by fatigue and dehydration. The trail itself is well marked. There is a junction about midway to the lakes (continue up/straight), and another just before reaching the second lake (descend to lakes 1-2. Continue up/left to lakes 3-6). Once you’ve reached the lakes, the views are fantastic.
Hilton Lakes Trailhead & Getting There
The Hilton Lakes/Davis Lake Trailhead is in Rock Creek Canyon, about nine miles west of Highway 395. From Highway 395, take Rock Creek Road near Tom's Place and follow it toward Rock Creek Lake and the Rock Creek Pack Station. The trailhead is located on the right side of the road, just before getting to the pack station.
The Hilton Lakes trailhead parking is located in a small parking area just above the trailhead, before you reach the packstation, on the right side of the road. There is a bear box for food storage if needed, and a small Park Service toilet located opposite the trailhead.
Rock Creek Lakes Resort is nearby, with additional services at Tom's Place and Crowley Lake. Mammoth Lakes and Bishop are the closest larger towns.
Hilton Lakes Trailhead Location
Backpacking Hilton Lakes
Hilton Lakes works particularly well as an overnight/multi-night trip. The hike is manageable in a day, but camping gives you time to continue beyond the busier lower lakes and explore more of the upper basin. I've found the upper lakes considerably quieter, particularly once the day hikers begin heading back toward Rock Creek.
Water is available from several small stream crossings earlier in the season. By late summer, most of the streams are dry, so bring a couple liters of water, especially if hiking in summer time. Once you reach the lakes, water will be plentiful, but it should always be filtered or treated before drinking. Campsites are primitive, and there are no restroom facilities once you leave the trailhead.
If you're planning to stay overnight, you'll need a wilderness permit for the Hilton Lakes entry point.
Permits, Regulations & Trail Information
Day hiking: A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes to Hilton Lakes.
Overnight trips: A wilderness permit is required for overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness. Hilton Lakes is a quota-controlled entry point during the primary hiking season. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov; check current availability and regulations before your trip.
Group size: Wilderness groups are limited to 15 people.
Campfires: Campfires are prohibited in the Hilton Lakes area. Check current Inyo National Forest fire restrictions before your trip.
Food storage: Follow current Inyo National Forest food-storage requirements and carry an approved bear-resistant container where required.
Water: Creeks, lakes and springs provide water along the route, but all backcountry water should be filtered or treated before drinking.
Restrooms: A vault toilet is available near the trailhead. There are no toilets at the lakes; follow Leave No Trace practices for backcountry waste disposal.
View from Lake 4
Exploring More of the Eastern Sierra
Hilton Lakes sits just off Highway 395 in Rock Creek Canyon, between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. It's an easy trail to build into a longer Eastern Sierra trip, with Convict Lake, Mammoth, June Lake and the rest of the Highway 395 corridor nearby.
Explore more of the region through our Sierra Collection, featuring original Habilis artwork connected to Yosemite, Mammoth, Mt. Whitney and the landscapes of California's Sierra Nevada.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quieter Eastern Sierra trail with alpine lakes, great camping, and enough distance to feel rewarding without becoming overly technical, Hilton Lakes remains one of the best trips in the Mammoth area.
